By Donald Gilpin

Michael LaSusa

Last week’s special meeting of the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE), which has grappled with more than its share of difficult issues over the past few years, was unusual in both tone and content.

“Everybody is smiling,” said BOE Chair Dafna Kendal as she opened the meeting. “It’s my ninth year as a Board member, and I’ve never had a meeting like this. Thank you all for indulging me.”

The upbeat mood continued for the full 33 minutes of the meeting as the BOE unanimously appointed Michael LaSusa as the next PPS superintendent before adjourning for celebratory cake and refreshments with the group of about 50 enthusiastic supporters gathered in the Valley Road administration building conference room.

“One candidate rose to the top” with “a proven record of success in many administrative roles in the Chathams district,” said Kendal in describing the Board’s superintendent search.

The hiring process, conducted in collaboration with a consulting firm, included numerous forums; a community survey; 37 applications received and read, including 17 from current school superintendents; and 16 candidates selected for interviews.

“Princeton is a lighthouse district, and we know that Mike will make our light shine brighter,” said Kendal in introducing LaSusa, who was hired as a Spanish and social studies teacher in the Chathams more than 20 years ago and has been superintendent there for the past 13 years.

“Mike is committed to the belief that all children can succeed,” Kendal continued. “We’re confident that he has the skills to make meaningful improvements to the education of all of our students, and specifically students of color and students receiving special education and related services.”

LaSusa, who had spent the day in Princeton visiting all six district schools and meeting many different staff members, came to the podium and explained to the Board and community members in attendance some of the factors that had drawn him to Princeton. He noted the diversity of the student body and “the fact that there is some commonality between the two districts that led me to believe that I can contribute in a meaningful way.”

He also cited the views of the school system and the community, as he described how, by the end of his interview with the BOE, ”I became convinced that this is a Board that puts children first and the care of children first before lots of other items and issues that we sometimes can be distracted by.”

LaSusa’s wife and twin sons had accompanied him and were in the audience for the meeting and the follow-up reception afterwards.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, longtime Chathams School Board member and past president Jill Weber came to the podium to offer an insider’s perspective on LaSusa.

“Our loss is your gain,” she said, praising LaSusa’s “dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment.”

She described LaSusa as “transformative he is going to light your world on fire.” She continued, “You’ve made an exceptional choice, one that will have a monumental impact on your district for years to come.”

Emphasizing that LaSusa’s decisions are always based on fairness, transparency, and the students’ best interests, Weber added, “He empowers his staff to think boldly and to think outside the box. He encourages them to build on the district’s strengths. He will set high expectations for your staff, but he will provide his team with the support, the resources, and the autonomy they need to rise to the challenges.”

She concluded, “His super power lies in his leadership, his vision, and his ability to elevate those around him. He’s genuine. He’s approachable, and he focuses on what truly matters.”

Kathie Foster, who has been serving as acting/interim superintendent since November 2023, will continue at the helm until LaSusa takes over on July 1. Kendal expressed the community’s gratitude for Foster’s “steady, strong, and compassionate leadership of our district.”